For those veteran teachers of the Bloomberg years who are still around, you may recognize this [articular pattern of abuse.
A sudden removal from a prized position after a harmless suggestion of a change in wording. Lingering discomfort at work due to a seemingly organized effort of a cold shoulder. from former friends. Using press contacts to create a public vilification in the New York Post, including slander. Creating public humiliation (in the form of a sign reading "piss on my face" placed in the urinal of the men's bathroom during a widely attended Delegate Assembly meeting). Finally, as if the rest were not enough, doubling down on the humiliating act (in this case, watching friends of the victim who believe in decency remove the signs them by hand -and placing there a second time). The singer may change. But the song of workplace abuse always follows the same general pattern.
Here, Nat Hookway explains that what happened to DOEnuts pal Amy Arundell on June 11 was, "not an isolated incident - it reflects the toxic, sexist, and misogynistic culture that persists within our union in an excellent way. Read the full piece here and comment. What happened here is disgraceful.
I’ve never published on Substack before, and it’s TBD if I will again.
When Michael Mulgrew sent a vague email (at best) on Thursday, I assumed it went to our entire membership. It didn’t. It was sent only to delegates. I refuse to stay silent and let this incident be swept under the rug.
Below is the email I sent to fellow OTs, PTs, and union members I know. I’m sharing it publicly now because this moment demands attention, accountability, and action.
Good morning Amazing OT’s and PTs (and other union members) and Happy Friday!
This email was originally intended as a summary of the Delegate Assembly, but I must instead address a deeply disturbing incident that demands immediate attention.
Trigger warning: Sexual Harassment and Degradation of Women
Last night, Only Delegates received an email from Michael Mulgrew regarding an incident at DA.
Here is what happened:
During the Delegate Assembly at 52 Broadway on June 11th, small laminated photos featuring union member and employee Amy Arundell’s image - along with the degrading phrase "Piss on my face!” - were placed in multiple urinals in the men's restroom at Shanker Hall. A fellow delegate removed them and documented evidence, notifying Leroy Barr at 5:09 PM. Despite this, the DA proceeded without any acknowledgment of this incident. .
When I learnt of this incident, At approx. 5:55 PM a delegate friend of mine entered the men's restroom and discovered yet another picture in a urinal. More photos and videos were taken (by me and my comrade), and one physical copy remains in our possession. Read this article by Katie Anskat and this post on instagram by Leah Lin.
This act is not an isolated incident - it reflects the toxic, sexist, and misogynistic culture that persists within our union. It is unacceptable that someone felt emboldened enough to degrade a fellow union member and educator in such a vile way, within an organization that represents over 200,000 members most of whom are women and during our own Delegate Assembly in our Union Hall.
A vague email from Mulgrew condemning this act is insufficient. Leadership must take decisive action to investigate, hold those responsible accountable, and ensure that such behavior is never tolerated again. We demand transparency and real, enforceable changes.
Leadership wants this to disappear, they want it to fade away.. This is not something we forget. This demands real change and a hard look at what is happening inside our union and our schools. We cannot allow silence to condone this abuse.
As a witness to this incident, I am doing everything in my power to ensure it is reported through all possible avenues. I have sent an to email leadership, including Randi Weingarten (AFT President) and Melinda Person (NYSUT President). I have received a response only from UFT legal, and to this date none of the men in Leadership have reached out to Amy to offer her support.
I urge you to write to leadership to push for accountability.
Here are their emails:
Michael Mulgrew (UFT President): mmulgrew@uft.org
Leroy Barr (UFT Secretary): lbarr@uft.org
Michael Sill (UFT Assistant Secretary): msill@uft.org
Randi Weingarten (AFT President) - rweingarten@aft.org
Melinda Person (NYSUT President): Melinda.Person@nysut.org
WE are the Union. Let’s not let them forget it.
In Solidarity Always,
Nat Hookway OTR/L (they/them)
OT/PT Delegate.